As the NFL Draft draws closer, the Badgers Wire is taking a look at the Badgers up for selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Badgers have put a host of talent in this year’s NFL Draft, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that every Badger in the draft has been front and center for post-collegiate all-star bowls like the Senior Bowl or NFLPA Bowl. But for those Badgers that are in the Draft and participating in these bowls, Badgers Wire wanted to take a closer look.
Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun has been down in Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl as the Badgers’ lone representative. While the practice just began this week, Baun has the distinct duty of being the only rep at the Senior Bowl for the Badgers. He might not be the highest-rated Wisconsin player, but he’s an aggressive and intelligent player who should find playing time in the NFL.
In order to gain a sense of how Baun has been performing, Badgers Wire reached out to those on hand at the Senior Bowl to check on Baun’s progress. Badgers Wire will continue to check on Baun throughout the Senior Bowl and in his preparation for the NFL Draft. In order to get a sense of where Baun was at on Day One, Patrick Carlisle of LB3 Scouting stepped up to the plate with the assist.
“This week Baun is one of a group of players that has gotten work both at linebacker and as a pass rusher,” Carlisle said. “Coming in at 6-foot-two and 240-pounds, he would be too light to be a full time pass rusher so continuing to get him work at both positions is a good idea for his future. He has continued to shine as a pass rusher consistently winning against some solid Senior Bowl offensive tackles with speed and technique. In linebacker drills he showed solid coverage skills for a guy who was more of a pass rusher in college. A player with his combination of movement ability and pass-rush skill will be able to find a role with an NFL team even if it does not begin as a full-time role.”
Freelance reporter Josh Webb contributed to this report.